Newsletter June 2009

Moth Damage and Your Oriental Rug

Hand-made Oriental rugs can last a life time and be passed on for many generations. However, in order for them to withstand the test of time there are some things you should know about the care of your rug. This newsletter will focus on preventing and identifying the pesky Flying Cloth Moth.

The Flying Cloth Moth

The Clothes moth is one of the most despised creatures in the rug industry. This moth, which feasts on natural fibers such as wool, silk and cotton causes major damage to your rug and, as a rug owner, you need to be aware of what to look for and how to prevent infestations of these moths. The adult moth is not a danger to your rugs or clothing, but if you see a moth flying around, it's probably too late! The life cycle of a moth begins when the female lays hundreds of eggs within the fibers of the rug (often unseen). When the eggs hatch the larvae, which can live up to 90 days, feast on the fibers of your rug. This is when most of the damage can occur. The larvae will eventually form a cocoon within or on top of the rug fibers and then emerge as an adult moth. The adult moth will mate and lay eggs almost immediately. These hundreds of eggs that have become moths continue this cycle in your rugs (and your sweaters and furs in your closets), causing major damage to your items. The moths which cause this damage are very small and usually gray or light brown in color. The larvae of the moth look like small white worms and the cocoons are silk-like casings with a tubular shape. The moths thrive in cool, dark and undisturbed areas--often under furniture or in closets.